Home of Rock N Roll Turns 30
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
What is the saying – if it’s too loud – you’re too old!
That may be true but as someone who appreciates an AC/DC song or some Zepp – it is hard to imagine that the WHJY/94.1 is turning 30-years old.
While the call letters of the Providence’s only true rock station have always been WHJY, prior to September 4th 1981, WHJY was home to “Joy 94” which only played beautiful music/easy listening. So when the switch flipped to rock music it was quite a shock to those people who were not quite used to listening to that “head banging music” as some listeners would call it.
Now, for a bit of GoLocal rock trivia. Can anyone name what was the FIRST song ever played on the new WHJY rock format? Time is up. Bob Seger “Fire Down Below” is what blared from the radio that day. From that moment on, the station began to carve out a unique and successful position here in RI. There have been some famous names for sure who have sat in front of the mic at HJY. Sure everyone remembers Carolyn Fox who launched herself as the “shock jock” in this area for some her radio antics.
Remember Any Of These Names?
So besides Carolyn Fox, here is a walk down memory lane with some of jocks from the past who have been on the air. Some were more famous than others – but they all share a spot in Rhode Island radio history.
David Place (was the actual first jock on the air when the format switched)
Janet “From Another Planet” Bates
Carolyn Fox
Dr. Metal
Rudy Cheeks
Rick OB
Amy Hagan
Lou Brutus
The Secret Of Success?
30-years in the same format is an accomplishment for sure. Add to that for many of the rating periods year in and year out – the station has been at the top of the ratings heap and that is a sign of success. We checked with Program Director Chris Tyler on what he thinks may be some of the reasons why the station continues to rank among the best of the best in radio around here. “The main ingredient for HJY’s success has been playing the biggest and best hits in rock music, and most importantly, doing it better than any other rock station has ever attempted in the last 30 years. After all these years, 94 HJY is a part of the fabric of Rhode Island.”
A big part of that fabric is Paul & Al who have hosted the morning show on HJY for 21-years and as Tyler points out, they have spent many years at the number one spot in the Arbitron ratings. In addition, another big asset to the station is Geoff Charles who is on the afternoon drive shift. After doing various time period, Charles has built a solid show. No where in this market is anyone doing his brand of radio. Charles was also recently inducted in the RI Radio Hall of Fame.
Tyler was asked how he thinks the rock format has changed in 30-years. “The difference between now and say the 80’s and 90’s, is that there’s no rock band or genre that has come out and changed the game like metal did in the 80’s or grunge did in the 90’s. Lots of rock bands have become huge acts since the late 90’s but not one has ever done what a band like Nirvana did.”
The Birthday Bash
If you think this station will celebrate 30-years of rock with a rubber chicken dinner and lots of boring speakers and awards – you couldn’t be more wrong. “We decided to team up with another 30 year old rock and roll superstar, Motley Crue! Since we’re both turning 30 we couldn’t think of a better way to party than glam style with The Crue, Poison, and The New York Dolls.”
The party/concert will be held July 19th at the Comcast Center and you can get more information on the website at www.94hjy.com.
Will it be loud?
You bet.
As it should be.
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